Circumferentially traveling type power-operated tire mounting and removing device



May 17, 1949. A. s. THOMAS CIRCUMFERENTIALLY TRAVELING TYPE POWEROPERATED TIRE MOUNTING AND REMOVING DEVICE 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April26, 1945 mmvamon.

y A e. THOMAS I 2,470,534

(IIRCUMFEREINTIALILJYv TRAVELING TYPE POWER OPERATED TIRE MOUNTING ANDREMOVING DEVICE Filed April 26, 1945 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 iiil-qQ-llil "mi?///mm ll|] r[ .JTIIII .11 lllllllllllllllllllll a 5 iii ain againINVENTOR.

y 7, 9 9 A. G. THoMAs' 2,470,534

CIRCUMFERENTIALLY TRAVELING TYPE POWER OPERATED TIRE MOUNTING ANDREMOVING DEVICE Filed April 26, 1945 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 F165 WW INVENTOR.

May 17, 1949. A. G. THOMAS 2,470,534

' CIRCUMFERENTIA Y TRAVELING TYPE POWER OPERATED TIRE M0 ING ANDREMOVING DEVICE Filed April 26, 1945 7 Shegts-Sheet 4 May 17, 1949.A..G. THOMAS 2,470,534

CIRCUMFERENTIALLY TRAVELING TYPE POWER OPERATED TIRE MOUNTING ANDREMOVING DEVICE Filed April 26, 1945 7 SheetsSheet 5 6 lGla.

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May 17, 1949.

A. cs. THOMAS 2,470,534 CIRCUMFERENTIALLY TRAVELING TYPE POWER OPERATEDTIRE MOUNTING AND REMOVING DEVICE Filed April 26, 1945 7 SheetS- -Sheet6 V I99 2% s 205. 200

n =(1--2/o 9 51L 41 2 I o F96- INVENTOR May 17, A. G. OMAS CIRCUMFERIALLY TRAV NG TYPE POWER OPERATED TI MOUNTING AND REMOVING DEVICE FiledApril 26, 1945 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 2 21a e|e f 2!? Hale wfl a lNvENToRPatented Ma 11, 1949 CIRCUMFERENTIALLY TRAVELING TYPE POWER-OPERATEDTIRE MOUNTING AND REMOVING DEVICE Albert G. Thomas,Alexandria, Va.Application April 2.6, 1945, Serial No. 590,495 7 Claims. (Cl- 157-1.24)

This invention relates to tire handling devices and has particularreference to machines for removing tires from automobile and airplanewheels or rims, or from any vehicle. The invention also provides meansfor replacing tires on rims or wheels.

It has long been a difilcult and time-consuming chore to remove orreplace tires, whether done at home, in service stations, garages, orhangars. It has been customary to beat the tires with heavy hammers tobreak them loose from-rims and then to pry them oil. by means of flatbars, or other implements. Besides requiring much efiort this method hasoften resulted in injury to tires or inner tubes or in scarring ordenting rims, wheels, or other parts.

It is, therefore, a primary object of this invention to provide a tireremoving and replacing device that will quickly remove or replace tireswhich have been punctured or which need to be handled off the wheel forany reason.

Another object is to provide a tire handling device that will beefiicient in operation, requiring little effort by the operator.

A further object is to provide a tire handling device that will removeor replace tires from rims or wheels with negligible injury to tires.

An additional object is to provide a tire hen-- dling device which islargely automatic in operation.

An additional object is to provide a device that will remove tires fromwheels attached to vehicles. Other objects will be evident in thefollowing description:

In the drawings:

Figure l is a part sectional side elevation of a tire handling device inwhich a wheel and tire or rim and tire may be rolled into the device ina vertical plane.

Figure 2 is a sectional view of a two-way valve.-

Figure 3 is an end view of a plurality of cams, valves, and switches forcontrolling the device of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a front view of the cam valve and switch control of Figure3.

Figure 5 is a part sectional front view of a modified tire. handlingdevice.

Figure 6 is a side view of the device shown in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a side view of another modified the handling device, with awheel and tire shown in part section.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary part sectional elevation of a tire and wheeland a pivoted tire lifting finger.

Figure 9 is a view of details of worm driven tire lifting fingers whichmay also be rotated about the axis of the tire.

Figure 10 is a side elevation of a tire handling device, with tire andwheel in part section, for removing tires from wheels of vehicles, andfor replacing them.

Figure 11 is a plan view of tire pressing elements.

Figure 12 is a front elevation, in part section, of a rotatable tirehandling device having an automatic aligning table to hold the tire inhorizontal position.

In Figure 1, cylinder I is integral with cylinder 2. Partition orbulkhead 3 separates the cylinder spaces. These cylinders are weldedoffastened otherwise to hollow post 4 through which pipe I leads to port6 in the wall of cylinder 2. The

of a tire and a plurality other end of this pipe is connected withmotordriven liquid pump 1 contained in or near tank 8 which is providedin hollow base 8 of the device. Pressure relief valve I0 is connected inpipe line 5 and may be set atany desired calibration to relieve excesspressures. Valve II is also connected in line 5 and may be used tocontrol flow of oil or other liquid in pipe 5 to cylinder 2.

Branch line I 2 is connected with line 5 through valve l3 which controlsflow of fluid to cylinder l4 fixed in base 9. Piston or plunger I5 isvertically movable in this cylinder and has attached, preferablyhollowed table ii, on which a tire may be rolled. Piston l1, havingfrustro-conical outer extension I8, is horizontally movable in cylinderI. Compressor spring i8, attached to partition 3 and piston I'I,normally holds extension is in position to project to the left of flangeon cylinder I. This flange has attached ring or pad 2| preferably ofrubber or equivalent material.

Piston 22 is fastened to tube 23 which is slidable through packing gland24 mounted in cylinder head 25 which may be screwed or bolted tocylinder 2. Piston 22 is suitably keyed to cylinder 2 or head 25 so thatit will slide but cannot rotate.

Sleeve 26 with extension 210., is slidable and rotatable on the outsidesurface of cylinder 2. This sleeve has an integral end gear 21 aroundits periphery and has inner groove 28 into which are fitted arcuatetongues or projections 29 and 30 extending, respectively, from plates IIand 22 which are bolted to block 33 which is welded or otherwisefastened to tube 22.

Motor 34 is fastened to plate 3| and has shaftborne pinion 35 meshedwith gear 21. This motor may be energized through conductors ll,

31, and 31a, switch 38 being in circuit to control opposite direction.

. Cylinder 39 is, mounted as indicated on sleeve 28 and has slidablepiston or plunger 40 which is pivoted to one end of link 4|, the otherend of which is pivotedto arm 42 which carries cylinder 43 attached toits upper end. This arm is pivoted at 44 to upright 45 welded orotherwise fastened to the end of extension 21a. Piston or plunger 46 isslidable in cylinder 43, being normally retracted by tension spring 41attached to the piston and to the closed end of cylinder 43. This springmay be connected outside the cylinder if desired. A similar spring 48normally pulls plunger 40 into cylinder 39.

Plunger 46 may be keyed to prevent rotation in the cylinder. Tapered end49 is rotatably mounted on plunger 46 coaxially therewith and swivelswith the plunger. A cylindrical portion of element 49 is rotatable in anaxial bore in plunger 46.

Fluid may be supplied to cylinder; 43 through pipe 58 and connectedvalve which can be used to control the flow of fluid from connectedflexible hose or pipe 52 the other end of which is connected to T 53through valve 55, connected with cylinder 39. The remaining branch ofthe T is connected with flexible hose 54 the other end of which isconnected with a branch of T 56 which is connected with tube 23 through.alve 51 and with flexible pipe 58. The other end of this pipe isconnected with T 59 in line 5.

The flexible pipes 52, 54, 58, and similar pipe 60 to be described, canbe made of heavy synthetic rubber or similar material and may bereinforced with flexible metal sheathing, or otherwise. .These pipesshould be sufficiently long to allow free movement of the connectedparts. For instance, pipes 52 and 60 should allow one or more completerevolutions of the connected cylinders 43' and 6| and pipes 54 and 58should allow free sliding movement of the connected elements attached tomember 56. Cylinder 6| can be rotated through a full revolution or morebut the rotation of cylinder 43 about the axis of cylinder I will belimited to slightly less than one revolution on account of theobstruction of post 4. The allowable rotation is however suflicient forthe purpose.

Hollow post 62 is welded or bolted to base 9, I

and cylinder 63 is fastened to block 64 which may be integral with post62. Plunger 65 is-horizontally slidable in cylinder 63 and carriesconically hollowed disc 66 to the annular face of which is fastenedrubber ring 61, D1 of other suitable material. Tension spring 68,connected to plunger 65 and to cylinder 63, normally holds the plungerwell back in the cylinder.

Sleeve 69, carrying arm 16,15 rotatable on cylinder 63 and is preventedfrom moving laterally by block 64 and collar 1| attached to cylinder 63.Cylinder 6| is fastened to the outer end of arm 10 and is preferablyaligned parallel with the axis of cylinder 63. Plunger 12 carries roller13 and is slidable in cylinder 6|, being normally held in the cylinderby tension spring I4.

Pipe 15 leads from pump through pressure relief valve 16 and passesthrough post 62 to T 11 the other branches of which are connected withcylinder 63 and pipe 68 respectively, through control valves 18 and I9.Ringgear 80 is integral with or fastened to sleeve 69 and is meshed withpinion 8| on the shaft of motor 82 which is attached to block 64. Thismotor is supplied energy through conductors 83, 84, and 84a.

Switch 85 controls rotation of the motor in one direction and switch 85acontrols operation in the opposite direction.

In operation, tire 86 on the wheel comprising disc 88 and rim 81, isrolled upon table |6 which, by its own weight, normally rests againstbase 9. Conductors 89 and 90 are connected to a suitable source ofcurrent and switch 9| is closed to start pump I so that pressure will bebuilt up in the hydraulic system. Oil or other fluid is drawn into thepump through'inlet 92 and is forced out through lines 5 and 15. Pressurerelief valves l6 and 16 limit the pressure or pressures in the system.Pump 1 may be of the gear type or any suitable kind.

After the pump is started and the tire is on platform or table l6 valvei3 is opened so that fluid will enter cylinder l4 and will force plungerl5 and table |6 upward. When the central opening 93 in disc 88 is inregister with sonically shaped element l8, valve I3 is closed and valve18 is opened so that fluid is admitted to cylinder 63 to force plunger65 and connected element 66 to the right, against the tension of spring66, until rubber or other material 61 is pressed tightly against disc 88which is supported on the opposite face by rubber ring 2|. It will beobserved that element |8 will be forced to the right against spring I9until the disc 88 is pressed firmly against ring 2|. Element l8therefore serves merely to align the wheel and partially to support itbut it does not take appreciable axial thrust. The tapered constructionand yielding characteristic insures that wheels with central openings ofvarious diameters will be properly aligned and supported.

Considerable pressure can be exerted by ring 61 to hold the wheel byfriction but a pin or pins adapted to engage an openin or depression indisc 88 may be attached to element 66 to prevent slippage.

At starting, cylinder 6| is preferably in such position that pipe 60will. allow nearly a full revolution of sleeve 69, but of course, if aslip connection is used the cylinder can be in any angular position atthe beginning.

Valve 19 is opened to admit fluid to cylinder 6| so that plunger 12forces roller 13 against a side wall of tire 86. Switch 85 is thenclosed so that motor 82 will revolve, roller 13' around the tire fornearly a revolution. The roller will press the tire from the rim so thatit is loose on that side. While one roller is shown, a plurality can beused so that a full revolution will not be required.

Simultaneously with the opening of valve 19 and the closing of switch85, or subsequent thereto, valve 55 is opened to cause plunger 40 tomove arm 42 and cylinder 43 about pivot 44 until tapered roller 49 is inproper position to be pushed between rim 81 and the tire. The rollerfirst breaks the tire bead away from the rim flange and later breaks itsown way between the tire bead and the rim flange, when forced. Valve 55is then closed and valves 5| and 51 are opened so that roller 49 will bepushed under the tire bead and piston 22 will be forced to the left byfluid passing into cylinder 2 through tube 23 and port 23a. Thismovement of piston 22 and attached tube 23 carries motor 34 and sleeve26 to the left to force roller 49 further under the tire and valve 55can then be opened again to cause swinging of roller 49 in clockwisedirection about pivot 44. This valve may be kept open until the axis ofroller 49 is inclined upward flow from inlet I to exit to theleft. Valveis may then be closed or it may remain open to apply pressure, asdesired. Valve 51 is then closed and valve II is opened so that fluidfrom pump 1 will enter cylinder 2 through port 6 to force piston 22 tothe right. Switch 38 is then closed to cause motor 34 to rotate sleeve26 and consequently roller 49 around the axis of cylinder 2 so that thetire is forced completely from the rim under the combined influence ofthe rotary movement of the roller 13 which is at the same time beingurged to the right. Roller 13 may be simultaneously revolved around thetire. in angular synchronism with roller 48, or leading or lagging thelatter, as desired. Roller'13, in one mode of operation, may trailbehind roller 49 so that as the latter roller lifts the tire over therim, roller 13 comes around slightly afterward and, due to pressure-incylinder 6|, removes or peels the tire entirely from therim.

After the tire is removed, valves 18, 19, I, 55, and II are closed sothat the various plungers or pistons will be restored to startingposition. Flexible drain pipe 23b carries return fluid from dischargeopenings of'valv-es 5| and 51 to tank 8 and, similarly, flexible drainpipe 230 carries return fluid from valves 18 and 19 to the tank. Oil isdrained from valve II to tank 9 by means of pipe 23d connected to pipe23b.

After roller 13 and ram or pressure disc 66 are retracted, the wheel andtire may be removed from the device, being lowered by elevator I6, ifdesired. After the tire is repaired or if a different tire is to beplaced on the rim, then the wheel is placed back in position shown withthe tire loosely placed on the rim or at least on a part of it. Thenvalve 18 is opened again so that ring 61 is forced against disc 88 asbefore, and by opening the proper valves or closing the proper switchesas described, roller 13 or roller 49, or a combination of both, aremoved by fluid pressure in directions to force the tire back on the rim.The rollers may be revolved at the same time or in any sequence toassist in forcing the tire onto the rim, or pressure may be-exertedsimultaneously at a number of points around the tire if the beads aresllfllciently flexible. It is not essential to use the roller 13,particularly for replacing the tire, and the end of plunger 12 may berounded and used as a pressure element which can also be rotated. Thetire may be placed on the rim so that pressure only at one point or overa short arc is necessary in order to force the tire back on the rim. Theinner tube stem can be manipulated by hand.

Motors 34 and 82 are preferably of the geared down type so that sleeves26 and 59 will be rotated rather slowly. The speeds of these motors canbe variable. It is obvious that fluid operated motors could be used.

A very wide variety of combinations, sub-combinations, and variedarrangement of parts and altered mode and sequences of operation can bereadily achieved without varying the fundamental principles of thedevice.

The valves H, be of the type shown in Figure 2 in which pipes arescrewed into threaded inlet I00, outlet IIII, and drain I02. Rotaryelement I03 has channel I.04 which will pass fluid through the valvewhen this channel is in alignment with the inlet and exit ports asshown. When the valve is turned ninety degrees counter-clockwise the IIII is stopped but channel I05a at right angles to, and connecting I3,5|, s5, 51, 1a, and 19 may circuit leading to motor II3.

with channel I04, is brought into register with outlet I 0|, and channelI04 connects with drain I02 which leads back to the tank. I

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, th valves, of whatever design, may beoperated automatically by means of a plurality of cams as indicated orthey can be operated electrically by means of suitable solenoids andcommutators. The cams I05, I06, I01, I08, I09, H0 and III are mounted onshaft I 09a which has rotary bearing in posts II 0 and II I fixed tobase I I2. Geared-down motor H3 is fastened to base H2 and has pinion II4 on its shaft to drive gear I5 which is fixed to an end of shaft I09a.

Valves II, I3, 5|, 55, 51, 18, 19 may ported by connected pipes or byany suitable part of the machine or device. These valves are indicateddiagrammatically and are shown aligned with shaft I09a, their operatingarms being biased by springs, as indicated, to press against the cams.These operating arms may be linearly movable or rotary as desired.Switches and 38, and also switches 85a and 38a if desired, are mountedin the machine so that their operating arms are spring-pressed againstcams I05 and I06. with the respective valves or switches. These cams mayeach have one or a plurality of elevations or depressions, suitablyspaced, so that a switch or a valve may be opened or closed a number oftimes during one revolution of shaft I09a. The positions of the cams maybe adjustable, angularly, so that the relative phasing of the variousvalve or valve and switch operations may .be adjusted. Base I I2 isfastened to the device in any desired manner.

Automatic operation of the valves and switches may then be accomplishedin proper timingand sequence by closing switch IIG controlling the Theswitches ,and valves, after being calibrated, will then be opened andclosed, in the proper order to control the desired operations. Switch 1I6 may be automatically cut off by a moving part 01 the device, ifdesired.

In Figures 5 and 6, wide, hollow upright or back Ill is fastened to baseH8 and tank II9 is bolted to the base. This tank holds oil or otherfluid I20 and contains pump I 2| with inlet I22, suitably fastened. Thispump is driven by motor I23 which may be suitably energized. ManifoldI24 is connected with the outlet of pump I2I and has connected fluiddischarge pipe lines I25, I26, I21, and I28 having respective controlvalves I29, I30. I3I, I32 and pressure relief valves I33, I34, I35, andI 36.

Pipe line I25 leads to cylinder I31 fastened to hollow arm I38 extendingfrom back Ill, and pipe line I26 leads to cylinder I39 and to cylinderI40 Flexible pipe line I43 similarlyconnects pipe line I28 with cylinderI42 which is integrally formed with cylinder I 40 but is separatedtherefrom. Cylinder I44 is similarly formed integrally with besupcylinder I39 but is separate with respect to the The remaining camsare aligned.

through flexible hose connection I.

' most so, at points between the arms.

ed by springs II. These plungers have cross holes I52, and arms I54 arebored to slide on the plungers, being locked to the plungers at desiredpositions by pins I53 passing through holes in the arms and plungers.These arms could be adjusted by other means than pins as by threadedrods or the like.

Pressure plate I55. which ma be rubber covered, is fastened to the lowerend of plunger I41 and plate I56 with central, integral cone I51 isattached to the upper end of plunger I46.

Opposed plungers I58 are slidable in cylinder I39 and carry adjustablearms I59 similar to arms I54. Springs I60 normally pull the plungersinto cylinder I39 to their limiting positions.

In operation, tire 86 and wheel and rim 88--81 are placed as shown, withthe tire 86 resting on arms I59 which have been adjusted on plungers I58to the proper radii so that rim 81 will not be struck. Then arms I54 aresimilarly adjusted and valve I29 is opened, after motor I23 is energizedto operate pump I2 I, so that fluid I20 will be pumped through line I25to force plunger I45 and arms I54. downward. These arms are preferablyarranged in alignment with arms I59 and so the tire walls will bepressed together, or al- Now if valve I30 is opened by means of extendedknob I30a, then fluid will be pumped into cylinders I39 and I40, throughpipe line I26, and plungers I50 and I58 will be forced outward tostretch the tire. Any suitable number of pairs of plungers and tirestretching arms can be used and these can be operated simultaneously orinsequence. If desired the tire could be stretched only at one point sothat it will start oil the rim easily.

After the tire is compressed and stretched at one or more points, valveI3I is opened so that fluid is admitted to cylinder I44. Plunger I46 isthen forced up so that plate I56, aligned with respect to the wheel bycone I51 passing into central opening 93, forces wheel disc 88 upward topush the rim 81 through the tire. The valves are then closed, or some ofthem previously as desired, and the plungers are returned to normalpositions by the springs. The tire can then be removed. 7

If it is desired to place the tire on the rim. plungers I50 and I58 canthen be locked,

hydraulically or otherwise, in their positions and tire'86 is placed onarms I59. Rim 81 is then placed above the tire in aligned position. The

' valve I29 is then opened to cause piston I 45 to be forced downward,thereby squeezing the tire between arms I54 and I59. Then valve I30a isopened to cause pistons I50 and I58 to move arms I 54 and I59 outward toexpand the tire. Next, valve I32 is opened to cause piston I41 and discI55 to force the rim into the tire. The valves arethen closed and thetire is lifted off the arms I59 after arms I54 are raised. The valvestem of the inner tube is of course properly placed in the rim beforeforcing the rim into the tire. There can be a sufficient number of armsI59 to support the tire adequately and these arms may be wide, flangedor narrow as desired. Plate I56 could be extended sufliciently to serveas a tire support or an additional ring or other element for thispurpose canbe used. I

Figure 11 shows a form of the device in which four arcuate arms I54 areattached to four plungers I50. Arms I59 and plungers I58 can besimilarly constructed.

-Ir'rFigure'7, tire 86 is on rim 61 which is fas- --tene'dtothe vehicle.Portable pumping unit I6I with wheels I8I and connected cable I63supplying energy to the pump motor in the unit,.is provided withhorizontal hollow shaft I62 on which sleeve I63 is rotatable, being heldin axial alignment by pin I64a in sleeve I63 cooperating with a suitablegroove in shaft I62. Ring gear I84 is fixed to sleeve I63 and mesheswith pinion I65 on the shaft of motor I66 which is fastened to unit I6I.Switch I61 may be used to control the motor circuit.

Drum I68 with inner cylinder I69 is attached to sleeve I68. Shaft I10,with cross bore HI and axial bore I10a leading to cylinder I69, isattached to piston I12 which is slidable in cylinder I69. Shaft I10passes through a suitable packed bearing in drum I68. Small plungers I13are slidable in bore I1I against spring tension.

Arm I14, which may be adjustable radially, is carried by drum I68 andhas bore I15 in which plunger I 16 is movable. This plunger is shownwith attached roller I11 but any suitable tire pressing or liftingdevice can be used. Valve I18 controls flow of fluid from unit I6I tocylinder or bore I15 through pipe I 19 which connects with cylinder I69.This cylinder admits fluid through axial opening I90 connected with pumpsystem through shaft I62.

One or more tapered or curved plungers I82 may be slidable in arm I14and can be connected with control valve I18. The upper part I6I a may bevertically adjustable with respect to the base I6Ic housing the fluidpressure equipment, and the elevation can be controlled by valve I88 sothat the height of lift of plunger I6Ib, carrying housing I 6Ia, can beregulated. Valve I 84 may be used to control the flow of fluid tocylinder I69 on the right side of piston I12 and .valve I85a controlsthe flow of fluid to the left side of the piston.

In operation, the device is rolled adjacent tire 86, which is on thewheel 81a, and is adjusted until shaft I10 is aligned with opening 93 inthe wheel, the cap having been removed. Shaft I10 is pushed into opening93 and valve I84 is opened to admit fluid under pressure to bore I1I sothat plungers I13 will be forced outward to lock the shaft to the wheel.Valve I18 is then opened so that plunger I 18 is pushed to the left toforce the tire away from the edge of the rim. Motor I66 can then bestarted by closing switch I61 so that the roller I11 will be movedaround the side wall of the tire to loosen it from the rim. The tire canthen be manually removed since the pressure and flexing of the tire willalso loosen the left bead; or curved hook I82 can be rotated under thetire and the whole tire pulled oil. as described in connection withFigure 8.

The tool I82 may be of the form shown in Figure 8 in which curved clawor element I82a is pivoted at I85 to plunger I16 and rod I86 is pivotedat I81 to an arm of the claw which can then be forced under the tire bypulling rod I86. If tool or claw I82 is sufliciently curved it can behooked under the tire so that the whole tire will be pulled oil the rimwhen plunger I16 is retracted: in axial direction from the rim.

'Other means for operating the claw are shown in Figure 9 in whichcurved claws I88 are fastened to gears I89 which are rotatable aboutpivots I 90 fastened to supports I 9I integral with ring I92. Worms I93are meshed with gears I89 and are driven by gears I 94 on attachedshafts having bearing in supports I'9I. Ring gear I95 is rotatablearound ring I92, in a groove, and is driven by motor I96 and connectedpinion I91.

Therefore motor I98 may be energized to rotate ring gear I95 in onedirection or the other, to move claws I88 toward or away from tire 88.Any suitable number .of claws may be used and they may be rotatedrelative to the tire by means of shaft I98 fastened to ring I92.

A modified form of device for removing tires from wheels attached tovehicles is shown in Figure 10. Plungers I99 are movable in either endof cylinder 200 by fluid pressure from tank 20I which includes abuilt-in electric pump supplied with current by cable 202. Plunger 203is horizontally slidable in cylinder 204 attached to cylinder 200. Thisplunger carries yoke or cup 205 which is adapted to straddle a centralopening or nut in wheel 205 carrying tire 88. Suitable springs mayretract the plungers.

Tank 20I is mounted on wheels 201. Plungers I99 have arcuate extensions208 in which similarly curved hooks 209 are retractible, by springs orotherwise. These hooks may be forced out by fluid pressure to thepositions shown, suitable stop lugs or other means being provided tolimit outward movement. Valve 2I0 controls fluid flow to cylinder 200and valve 2 controls the flow of fluid to cylinder 204. Likewise, valve2I2 controls flow of fluid to curved extensions 208 which serve ascylinders for hooks 209 acting as plungers or pistons. Suitable flexibleconnections can be used.

In operation, the device is rolled near a tire on a wheel attached to avehicle and valve 2I0 is opened, after the pump is started, to allowfluid from tank 20I to be pumped into cylinder 200 until plungers I99are forced out for a sufficient distance as determined by the diameterof the tire. Then valve 2I0 is closed and valve 2I2 is opened so thathooks 203 are forced around the tire to the approximate positions shown.Next, valve 2 is opened to admit fluid under pressure to cylinder 204 sothat element 205 is forced against the wheel. This results in the tankand arms or hooks 209 being forced to the right to pry the tire from therim. The pressure of the hooks forces the tire off the rim. The axle isof course suitably supported. If desired, additional valves or a valvetiming arrangement can be included so that only one hook is at first putunder pressure, in order to start the tire at one location. The otherhook or hooks can be energized then simultaneously or in rotation. Othertire removing devices shown, such as tapered pressure-operated rollersor the like can be combined with the hooks or other means indicated inFigure 10.

Pressure-operated plungers 2 I3 can be provided for forcing the tireback on the rim. The tank 20I can be flxed to prevent sliding or thedevice can be hooked to the wheel, in any desired way, when the tire isreplaced. The plungers 2I3- also assist in breaking the right tire beadaway from the rim so that pressure of hooks 209, as a reaction resultingfrom movement of plunger 203- out of cylinder 204, forces the tirecompletely from the rim. The tire is first squeezed between elements 209and 2I3 and then is pulled off the rim by hooks 209 as plunger 203 isforced out of cylinder 204 and consequently causes the cylinder block200 and supporting wheels 201 to'be moved to the right. The assistanceof elements 2I3 is not essential in removing the tire as the pressurefrom hooks 209, alone, will force the tire off. It is obvious that thestroke of plungers 2 I3, if used in removing tires, should be less thanthe stroke of plunger 203.

In Figure 12 is shown a gear-driven tire remoV- ing and replacingmachine. Cone shaped element 2I4 is integral with piston 2I5 which isvertically slidable in cylinder 2I5, being urged upward by spring 2I1.Cylinder 2I5 has flange 2I8 which serves as a support for wheel disc 2I9carrying rim 220 on which tire 22I is placed. Arms 222, with bottomracks 223, are horizontally movable in suitable openings in block 224,being driven by motor 225 having worms 226 attached to the ends of itsdouble shaft. These worms are meshed with racks 223 as indicated, andare so disposed that the arms 222 will be simultaneously moved inward oroutward.

Shaft 221, with rack or gear teeth 220 extending along its length, isvertically movable in cylindrical block229 which has integral stub shaft230 which is rotatable in a suitable bearing in shelf 2 3I extendingfrom back or upright 232 which is attached to base 233. Gear 234 isfixed to the upper end of the stub shaft 230 and has a suitable hub orbearing surface which rests upon shelf 23I so that-when meshed pinion235 on the shaft of motor 236 is revolved, gear 234 and block 229 arerevolved. Shaft 221 is' suitably keyed to block 229 so that it can slideinto and out of the block but will be rotated with it.

Motor 231 is fastened to block 229 and has worm 238 on its shaft. Thisworm is meshed with rack of teeth 228 extending lengthwise of shaft 221so that this shaft may be extended from or withdrawn into block 229 byenergizing motor 231 to revolve in one direction or the other.

Depending arms 240 are integral with arms 222 and have attached motors24I driving worms 242which are meshed with curved racks or teeth 244 onthe top edges of curved claws 243. These claws 243 are movable throughsuitably shaped channels in arms 240 and are positioned to reach under abead of tire 22I when they are extended.

Shaft 245 is vertically movable in block 248 attached to block 224. Thisshaft has teeth 241 similar to those on shaft 221. These teeth aremeshed with worm 248 driven by motor 249' attached to block 246.Pressure flang or plate 250, with central cavity 25I, is fastened toshaft 245. This element may be covered with rubber or similar material,as may table 2| 8. The cavity allows element 2 to enter so that ram 250may strike disc 2I9.

The motors indicated may be energized for forward or reversed rotationby means of suitable v flexible conductors, slip rings, and switches, or

the like. Block 224 is attached to piston 221.

In operation, wheel disc 2I9 is placed on flange or table 2 I8 with itscentral opening over conically shaped element 2 which will align thewheel and will be forced down by the weight until disc 2 I9 rests on thetable. Motor 249 is then connectedin circuit by closing a suitableswitch so that plate or ram 250 will be forced down against disc 2I9which will be pressed tightly against I table 2| 8. A friction clutch orcurrent cut-out may be used to protect the motor. The motor 225 isenergized to move arms 240 inward or outward until they are suitablypositioned. Motor 225 is then stopped and motor 231 is energized toforce arms 240 down against the tire to break it loose from the rim.Then motors 24I are energized to force claws 243 under the tire bead andmotor 236 is energized to cause rotation of the claws around the tire.Simultaneously, pre-.

viously, or subsequently thereto, motor 231 can be energized in adirection to pull arms 240 up- 11 ward so that the tire will be liftedfrom the rim as the claws are rotated around the tire. Motor 231 can, ifdesired, be stopped when arms 240 have been lifted sufilciently.

When the tire is removed and the motors are stopped, afterthe variouselements have been moved to proper positions, it can be replaced bysetting it on the rim and energizing motor 237 to move arms 240 downwardto force the tire back on the rim. This may be done with or withoutrotation of the arms by motor 236, as desired.

When it is desired to remove the tire or the wheel or both, motor 249can be energized to lift element 250 to release them.

It is apparent that a large number of combinations of various parts anddevices shown could be made. Many fluid operated parts shown could beoperated mechanically or vice versa and many of the mechanically, ormotor driven parts could be operated by fluid pressure. Compressed aircould, of course, be employed instead of liquid, and a compressed airoutlet could be combined with the machine, for inflating tires.Furthermore, a sunction device can also be combined with the machine,for quickly removing air in a large tire for instance.

The drain pipes 23b, leading from the control valves, arev carried backto the liquid storage tank. These pipes insure that the cylinders willbe provided with outlets on reverse strokes of the pistons.

Many other changes of detail, rearrangement of parts, or variedcombinations, can be employed without departing from the broadprinciples of my invention.

What I claim is:

1. In a tire handling device, means for holding a wheel carrying saidtire, a first cylinder coaxial with said wheel, a first piston movablein said cylinder, a sleeve rotatable and slidable on said cylinder,means connecting said piston and sleeve, a second cylinder carried bysaid sleeve, a second piston movable in said second cylinder, atireremoving element attached to said second piston, means for rotatingsaid sleeve around said first cylinder, and means for producing fluidpressure in said cylinders to actuate said'pistons.

2. In a tire handling device, means for holding a wheel carrying saidtire, a first cylinder coaxial with said wheel, a first piston movablein said first cylinder, a sleeve rotatable and slidable on said firstcylinder, means connecting said piston and sleeve, 3, second cylinderpivotally mounted on said sleeve, a second piston movable in said secondcylinder, a tire-removing element attached to said second piston, meansfor rotating said sleeve around said first cylinder, and means forproducing fluid pressure in said cylinders to actuate said pistons.

3. In a tire handling device, means for holding a wheel carrying saidtire, a first cylinder coaxial with said wheel, a first piston movablein said first cylinder, a member rotatable coaxiallywith respect to saidfirst cylinder and axially slidable relative thereto, means connectingsaid first piston and said member, means for rotating said member, asecond cylinder carried by said member, a second piston movable in saidsecond cylinder, a tire-removing element connected with said secondpiston and means for producing fluid pressure in said cylinders toactuate said pistons.

4. In a tire handling device, means for holding a wheel carrying saidtire, a first cylinder coaxial with said wheel, a first piston movablein said first cylinder, a member rotatable coaxially with respect tosaid cylinder and axially slidable relative thereto, means connectingsaid first piston and said member, means for rotating said member, asecond cylinder carried by said member, a second piston movable in saidsecond cylinder, a tire-removing element connected with said secondpiston, a shaft supported by said device on the opposite side of saidwheel from said first cylinder, a second member rotatable on said shaft,means for rotating said second member, a third cylinder carried by saidsecond member coaxially with said shaft, a third piston movable in saidthird cylinder, 9. tire-pressing element attached to said third piston,and means for producing fluid pressure in said cylinders to actuate saidpistons,

5. The structure recited in claim 4 wherein, said fluid pressure meansinclude flexible conduits, a pump, a motor to drive said pump, andvalves to control fiow of said fluid.

6. In a tire handling device, means for holding a wheel carrying saidtire, a tire-removing element, means for rotating said element coaxiallywith said wheel, means for moving said element toward or away from saidtire, a tire-pressing element on the opposite side of said tire fromsaid tire-removing element, means for rotating said tire-pressingelement coaxially with said wheel, means for moving said tire pressingelement toward said tire, fluid pressure means for operating said movingmeans, motor means for operating said rotating means, switch means forcontrolling said motor means, valve means for controlling said fluidpressure means, and means for causing operation of said switch means andvalve means in predetermined order.

7. The structure recited in claim 6 wherein, said means for causingoperation of said switch means and valve means include a plurality ofcams.

ALBERT G. THOMAS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

' UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,208,184 Mayer Dec. 11, 19161,341,727 Weaver June 1, 1920 1,416,094 Krauska May 16, 1922 1,742,590Freivogel Jan. 7, 1930 1,758,264 Senger May 13, 1930 1,824,246 Van DaamSept. 22, 1931 1,964,119 Hendry June 26, 1934 1,966,766 Raby et al July17, 1934 2,034,819 Maulis Mar. 24, 1936 2,043,169 Hawkinson June 2, 19362,228,086 Rodgers Jan. 7, 1941 2,281,476 Casey Apr. 28, 1942 2,413,010Teegarden Dec. 24, 1946 2,418,849 Polt Apr. 15, 1947 2,423,652 KelleyJuly a, 194? 2,437,512 Ekse Mar. 9, 1948 2,439,135 Johnson et al. Apr.6, 194a

